While I don’t personally agree with the points you made, I do love how you thoroughly presented all the facts and your opinions.  The above statement is simply me thinking the best of someone rather than assuming they are a crazy fool or a complete idiot. It heightens my ability to skim the book if I ever need to go back through it. ( Log Out /   The above statement is simply me thinking the best of someone rather than, BUT, if it is changed, then the issue is not with Bible journaling. Some people believe that writing in their Bible dishonors God. It opened my eyes.  My husband has this kind of thinking. ( Log Out /   Bible art journaling actually quotes scripture, usually word-for-word. Instead of looking at something like Bible journaling as another method for some people to draw closer to God, divisive people will work very hard to fin the bad and the evil in it – even if those ‘reasons’ are a stretch. Some people don’t write in their Bible because they feel weird about it — but don’t worry; you aren’t defacing or treating the Bible as common! Add one in the admin panel. That said, I think my point stands about chasing spiritual nostalgia and I unfortunately doubt that many Christians are attempting to trace the thought of biblical arguments when they are underlining verses. And it is weird. What is so exciting about this passage? Interesting, hey?  We disregard the condition of our own hearts because we are so consumed by what others are doing. But not out of it’s context. Thank you, Sue, for coming over to read my (mostly) well thought out post. You make some helpful points. People use it to feel closer to God and it’s not affecting me in any way.  Wow! The written word is powerful. I’m sad that you chose to insinuate that her comment was unworthy because of things on her Facebook page. Now I don’t mean to merely highlight and jot down some cross-references, or even scribble some observations without any readers in mind. Beholding (seeing) leads to meditating, pondering, and processing. Â, If you know my story – if you know what God has brought me through, then you would expect to find a woman who reveres God with her whole heart. All have fallen short. Need writing bible is wrong essay? It might not even be what people think! I would much rather be an encourager.  To try and squeeze me into a religious mold of who others think I should be would negate who God created me to be. Thank you so much for writing this piece. Add Bookmarks , Highlights , and private or public Notes to any verse in the Bible . And writing/drawing in a Bible is the concern??? Use our custom writing services or get access to database of 7 free essays samples about bible is wrong. Here’s a link…he was a deist but was also a follower of Jesus Christ. If that is drawing you closer to Jesus, don’t stop. I certainly was not judging the heart nor the character of one of your readers. IF Bible journaling ever took the place of actual Bible study in my life, then that is a heart issue. J.A. You know how you read a post and the author sounds angry…or judgemental (maybe both) – and you leave the site feeling condemned? This right column is widget ready! Bible verses about writing Writing is not only a job, its therapeutic.  Matthew 6:6 was quoted here – ummm…I think it has been taken way out of context in order to make an argument. In my experience, when I come back to a chapter in my Bible six months after underlining a verse or passage in that chapter, my tendency is to focus on what I underlined/highlighted rather than looking at God’s Word with fresh eyes and listening to what the Lord might have for me today. I know God is consistent. I have a bible for my old testament class, well specifically for it, I will probably write in it.  Someone who is defacing something will have a hardened heart full of hatred for whatever they are defacing. Do you like to take notes in your Bible?  So, I thought I’d address the question Is Bible Journaling Wrong? Or Even Evil? Maybe putting our emotions into words as we read Scripture will help us grow more confident in sharing our love of the Lord with those who don’t know him.  It is very visual, I see it fully. It is like ripping your thumb off your hand to be inspired by it. Writing in my Bible and drawing in my Bible Journal helps my heart honor God (see, it’s about my heart. I would hate for a Bible with writing in it to become an obstacle to the gospel.  It isn’t being edited.  And my God is so much bigger than my ‘self-expression’. I don’t even highlight passages. It’s almost standard wisdom that if you want to read your Bible well, you should underline and highlight in it.     Â, If you are easily distracted from God’s word by art, then there are more serious issues at play here. Why You Should Be Writing in Your Bible January 25, 2013. Obviously, you have done your research to “prove” the Bible is wrong or inconstant, but from a neutral standpoint your goal to “disprove” the Bible came before an actual want to understand the context and what is meant behind the verses you so effortlessly plucked from the Word and twisted to meet your expectation. We are as Paul said: be enouragers as you go and not let any unwholesome words usher forth from us Eph 4:29. So is a Bible verse. Â, Is your concern over a secondary (or even tertiary) issue such as Bible journaling greater than the welfare of a person? But one thing that all writers experience is writer’s block. And…to say another Christian is under the devil’s influence is quite an allegation to be making against your sister in Christ, wouldn’t you say?  This is, If you know my story – if you know what God has brought me through, then you would expect to find a woman who reveres God with her whole, I’ve read in some posts that God’s word can become secondary to my own ‘self-expression’. The login page will open in a new tab. If you liked this post, you might enjoy some Bible & prayer journaling posts of mine. I’m not trying to knock something that the Lord is using for you in a powerful way. I then brought my personal Bible that I use for Bible studies for the stuff I wanted to remember to tell my friends.  Â, If you are at risk of being led to materialism through Bible journaling supplies, or any other means…know that this has much more to do with some form of bondage deep within your heart than it has to do with actual objects. Here are 4 ways you are reading your Bible wrong. Luckily, I change my opinions when presented with new information and I was wrong.  Let me say this: I have yet to meet someone who is dim-witted enough to actually think that Bible journaling is a substitute for in-depth, fruitful Bible Study. It is definitely NOT sacrililigous (spelling?)  Then there are people like me – the visual-spatial. You know how you read a post and the author sounds angry…or judgemental (maybe both) – and you leave the site feeling condemned? Or someone who maintains a healthy, balanced diet?  There is a logical progression and thinking is in words. I am working on an in-depth Bible study of the book of John and there is a chapter that touches on this kind of divisive behavior. Bible journaling is being called the work of the devil by some.  So, I thought I’d address the questionÂ.  I click on her name and I am taken to her Facebook page – which has a horror movie character on the cover.  What we are doing for His glory should far outweigh our concerns about what others shouldn’t be doing. Is it wrong to highlight verses in your bible? You see, Bible journaling ideas and inspiration don’t just magically pop into my head out of nowhere.  Â, I read a comment on one post where the commenter went as far as to say that Bible journaling is another way the devil is corrupting faithful people…then I look at her gravatar (from Nightmare Before Christmas, perhaps? But, hey, I don’t write in my Bible like those heathens do. We need to be encouragers not dividers. I did some modeling last summer and had to wear a bikini for that.  I honor God by keeping my Bible clean and wrinkle free. Jesus I’m sure is very happy that you’re writing in your Bible, taking notes! But seeing certain verses underlined and other verses left alone leaves me inevitably with the impression that the underlined verses are what matters and the rest of the verses, while important, aren’t the main thing. My Favorite Basic Bible Journaling Supplies – this post includes a free Bible journaling printable!  On Sunday, I could glare at the young mom sitting in the pew trying to keep her toddler quiet – or maybe just be judging her in my heart. If I’m reading John 3, my eyes are going to be drawn to verse 16 because it’s one of the most well-known sentences in the English language. The Bible was not meant to be read as an inspirational verse calendar. Instead of writing in the margins of your Bible, which gives you about enough space to write one word, maybe two, with which to summarize your thoughts, write in a journal. Â, I know the devastation this kind of accusation can cause.  This is NOT the kind of accusation to make against the Bride of Christ casually – or spitefully. to write in your Bible. The following two tabs change content below. I believe, though, that people make such topics controversial and divisive when they really shouldn’t be. God chose to reveal himself through a book. This is because I have matured a lot in my faith. I appreciate the opinion on this seemingly divisive subject! I am careful from whom I receive teaching from. There is no written Word telling us that we cannot write in our Bibles, … I suppose, though, this understanding comes with spiritual maturity, right? Bible verses about Righting Wrongs. Closed for business, but be sure to check out my new place! Â, And that’s the key word right there, friends – heart.  Yes, my, If you are at risk of being led to materialism through Bible journaling supplies, or any other means…know that this has much more to do with some form of bondage deep within your heart than it has to do with actual objects. If you want to run away from the nightmares and embrace the dreams, then make sure that you are: Interpreting the Bible according to God’s interpretation and not your own; Reading the Bible every day  This kind of behavior is just to make trouble, cause strife, and divisiveness. I use the YouVersion App. What app do you use?  We think in pictures – holistically. I do think we ALL have MANY issues to deal with and many sins in our life that can give the devil a foothold. I wonder if we are just too focused on everything we shouldn’t do and not focused enough on all that we ought to be doing. The person in the Bible who told the most parables is Jesus. You see, Bible journaling ideas and inspiration don’t just magically pop into my head out of nowhere.  Because we are uncomfortable with things that are out of control. Â, Defacing something is solely for the purpose of ruining it, for destruction.  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. I think it’s a great way to honor God and his word; signs of a feast . That is so fascinating! Now take two minutes to carry out that thought! But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  Â. Bible Journaling Tips for the Not-So-Artistic Artists. What, if anything have I done wrong?  And here she was concerned about Bible journaling giving Satan a foothold… Â. I think there much bigger issues to deal with than whether or not other Christians should be drawing in their Bibles.  If you are interested in this study when it releases this summer. Writing in your Bible provides handles to help you navigate the Word and drive it into your head and heart.  And, friends, that is exactly what they are – opinions.  I mean I never want to be caught up in the work of the devil! Now, I know that there are ‘prophets’ out there who declare that they get special revelations from God just so you’ll drink their Kool-Aid (whatever that Kool-Aid might be). Yes, Shannon.  To me, this is evidence of a Bible that is well-used, read often, and loved dearly. This is very eye-opening, Aimee. Yes, we need to be encouragers, building up the body of Christ instead of getting into foolish arguments. Of these two, one is a small pocket Bible that has no writing since I live in a culture that has a growing increase of Muslims who believe Christians profane what is holy when they write in their Bibles.  Oh, my, if people ever felt like that after reading any of my posts, I’d be quite concerned about what I was writing!  We think in pictures – holistically.  And that is what I take issue with.  I have a very serious problem with the condition of my what??? As emotions rise and become tangled, jumbled thoughts, it can be relieving to find the words to untangle them and put them on paper. It is great to read a Bible verse. Â, Years ago, I was part of a church that split and I overheard an incredibly angry woman declare that the remaining members of the church were under the influence of Satan and doing his work.  I could say that writing or drawing in my Bible dishonors God and then go for coffee with my church friends and gossip about the Pastor’s Wife. That being said, I think it’s worthwhile to reflect on how underlining/highlighting verses in God’s Word affects the way we interact with Scripture. So buy a notebook.  As Christians, we do, I know the devastation this kind of accusation can cause.  Condemned – never – because it would come from me. 4.  My husband has this kind of thinking. 8 Tips for Engaging with Your Bible Artistically January 06, 2017 God invites us to meditate on his Word (Ps.  It is very visual, I see it fully. It’s not defacing the Bible. I had a great experience with the verses I underlined, so I naturally want to hover over those verses again at the expense of the rest of the verses in the chapter.  YIKES! This is a telling statement: The Jefferson Bible, as it’s known, is “scripture by subtraction,” writes Stephen Prothero, a professor of religion at Boston University. My guess is, when you were blown away by God’s great love for you described in Ephesians 1, you probably thought more than, “Wow!” And if that’s all you thought, that’s great!  It assumes that their faith and self-control is very weak. We get into arguments about such things and yet we have so many broken people on our ‘doorstep’, looking for Hope. You’re probably reading the Bible the wrong way.  Especially when I am reading the word of God! Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Until reading this post, I actually looked down my nose at those who did journal and saw it as a sin. I don’t do it and probably never will, but I won’t ever shame anyone for doing it again.  And it has nothing to do with Bible journaling (can you guess where the issue is rooted? The Bible writers were poor historians, let alone conveyers of messages from an infallible God. Privacy Policy for AWOG email newsletters, Grace & Truth ~ How to Build Your Home with Biblical Wisdom, 4 Uplifting Things To Remember In Your Heart When Pursuing Hope, 6 Critical Tips For Healthy Burden Bearing, Grace & Truth ~ 3 Easy Ways to Connect with God, Grace & Truth ~ What to Do When Your Past Revisits You, http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/how-thomas-jefferson-created-his-own-bible-5659505/. I would guess the latter.  It could if my, Another argument was that painting or drawing over the words in scripture is defacing God’s word.  In other words, are you more concerned about being ‘right (in your own eyes) than about the person you are arguing with? But I would think that would be just common sense.  Seriously? Are they displaying fruit? It is very informative and (mostly) well thought out. Plus, I used to be a diver before full-time riding took over, so showing skin was never an issue. Grow your Prayer life, with Prayers you can keep private or invite Friends.  Things that are beyond our understanding. The primary reason I do this is so that I can go back and find the sections I found important and pull out the “nuggets” of information that I found either especially helpful or highly representative with the primary message of the book itself. That was a bit uncomfortable just because so many people are staring at you, but at the beach Im perfectly fine. Thanks for reading and commenting, Gaye! Â.  It’s with the…, If I can be lead astray to materialism so easily over coloring tools, then I think I have bigger problems than Bible journaling. BUT, if it is changed, then the issue is not with Bible journaling.  But Bible journaling is a far cry from this kind of madness. Â, Now, I know that there are ‘prophets’ out there who declare that they get special revelations from God just so you’ll drink their Kool-Aid (whatever that Kool-Aid might be).  Â, Then there is the issue of sharing photos of your Bible journaling and how it leads to pride and competition because you aren’t doing this in your ‘inner room’. Including your judgment of a fellow sister in Christ. I hope so.  When I read anything, it is like a movie playing in my mind.  Honestly, I just felt sorry for this woman – she was the one who was so angry! He took scissors and cut out the miracles of Jesus and made his own Bible which is known as the Jefferson Bible. You have a teachable spirit, and that goes a long way in learning to be more humble and understanding!  BUT…tearing out pages of scripture that is uncomfortable for someone toying with sin is, Defacing something is solely for the purpose of ruining it, for destruction.  But finding these kinds of posts is pretty easy – even when you search for a topic as harmless as Bible journaling.  Take Note: Be careful to whom you listen to!  Oh, my, if people ever felt like that after reading any of my posts, I’d be quite concerned about what I was writing! It made me really happy to see such a lovely post to encourage healthy discussions about Bible Journaling. 1:2).  So malicious! Â. Maybe it will give us a greater vocabulary with which we can share our faith. What I’d like to suggest is that an unmarked Bible may be able to remove some of that temptation to run immediately to specific verses.  But finding these kinds of posts is pretty easy – even when you search for a topic as harmless as Bible journaling. Here is my concern with writing in your Bible: In my personal reading (of all books), I tend to underline and write in the margins. We may never know the “why” until eternity but must trust that he was in his own way a believer in Christ…we can’t say for sure, Now as far as your post goes; the book of 1Corinthians, Titus and 1Timothy show us the fruitless arguments that are nearly the same as today. Matthew 6:1-34 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  We try to pull Him down to our level, making Him smaller than who He is.  A good reading of Matthew 15 might be helpful for some who are so wrapped up in man’s teachings. There is just something about an old bible, granted it makes me nervous to open one, but they are gorgeous to look at. So, it is established that it is not sinful to read or write …  However, things get a bit dangerous when that belief leads to accusing other Christians of not honoring God or being deceived by Satan because they do write (or draw) in their Bible (see above). This is the same for spiritual matters. People in my youth group do it, but I don't know if I should or not. Maybe that spark will burn a bit brighter than it would have if we had just written, “Amazing!” in our Bibles. Question: "Is it wrong to pray written prayers?"  If you are interested in this study when it releases this summer, sign up here.    Â, Are you having a critical spirit towards someone who uses Bible journaling to draw closer to God? Yes, we have so many fruitless arguments, don’t we? It would be very helpful for you when you’re teaching! “He cut out passages with some sort of very sharp blade and, using blank paper, glued down lines from each of the Gospels in four columns, Greek and Latin on one side of the pages, and French and English on the other.” Or do you say, ‘Honey, remind me later to tell you about…’” I blinked.  And, really, I’m not that great of an artist – I don’t think quite that highly about myself. Thanks for your post. Is Bible Journaling Wrong? Or Even Evil? “Not relationship. Or open a Word doc on your laptop. Luke goes on to give the genealogy from David all the way back to Adam! That tells me he designed us, every last one of us, to be able to write. How To Create A Simple Prayer Journal – includes HUGE subscriber freebie of a prayer journal! The God I serve is so much bigger than such a tertiary issue.   Â, Most people are linear(auditory)-sequential – meaning learning is step-by-step. Reading your Bible the wrong way can lead to deceitful nightmares, but reading your Bible the right way can lead to delightful dreams.  Bible journaling – even full page journaling – is not destroying God’s word (ummm…nothing can destroy His word).  Convicted – yes (this comes from the Holy Spirit). The same with advice on eating healthy. What was his intention. It’s a sign that you’re taking your reading and studying His word very seriously! Writing down a prayer before delivering it publicly can aid a speaker in saying exactly what he or she means to say, lessening the possibility of distractions due to poor wording or mental lapses.  When I read anything, it is like a movie playing in my mind. Has your complaint with a secondary or tertiary issue caused you to lose focus on fulfilling God’s plans for your life? Some people love to, some preachers make all of their notes for their lessons in the margins, while others think it is down right heretical to write in their Bibles. Why the miracles of Jesus? D. L. Moody wrote in his Bible, and also wrote a book called Notes from my Bible. Other Problems with the Bible. My old NASB Bible I got when I was 19 has tons of underlining and notes in the margins. That’s just common sense, too. The primary reason I do this is so that I can go back and find the sections I found important and pull out the “nuggets” of information that I found either especially helpful or highly representative with the primary message of the book itself. There are other reasons why the Bible should not be considered the word of God. Say I can ’ is writing in your bible wrong think we all have many issues to deal with and sins. 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